THE Golden Sands Tavern has kicked off its new chapter in the Nambucca Heads community with colour and generosity, raising $550 for youth support organisation ShoreTrack during a sparkling Drag Bingo event.
The high-energy evening drew a lively crowd, with Brisbane’s leading drag queen Abril La Trine delivering quick wit, bold style and plenty of playful banter, turning every bingo call into a performance.
Funds raised on the night will help ShoreTrack purchase essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for young people participating in their work-based training and engagement programs.
ShoreTrack representative Geoff Batten expressed gratitude for the support, noting that community partnerships like this make a real difference.
“The money donated by the Golden Sands goes toward enabling us to support young people at ShoreTrack who are building stronger futures,” he said.
The donation also marks the beginning of a new era for the Golden Sands Tavern, now under the management of Mark and Michelle McCarthy.
The couple, who recently relocated to the Nambucca Valley, bring more than 30 years of hotel experience to the venue and are eager to make the pub a true local hub once again.
“We’re excited to put down roots here,” Mark told News Of The Area.
“Our focus is on good old-fashioned country customer service, getting the food spot on, and we’ve even brought two fantastic chefs with us.
“We want to offer varied entertainment so locals have something new and fun to look forward to.”
As the only pub in town, Michelle wants the Golden Sands to be a place where “everyone feels welcome”.
“A locals’ pub, a community hangout where everyone is respectful and just as importantly, everyone has fun.
“Life’s too short not to.”
By Mick BIRTLES
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
